The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1887-02-25

that back; and he, too, loves ma He
loves me so WE'LL declares she with an
Intuition that has revealed to her the
real passion of the man whom she has
promised to marry, "that | think IL
would kill him did now prove false"
you are very tender toward him"
exclaims he bitterly. "But of meY how
is it with mes No, shall not die; am
not made of such brittle stuff as this
other lover Of yours. shall probably
live, even though you forsake me; but
what of my lifeY is it to be all barren-all
wasted' Have you no pity left for meg'
"Alasl is it kind to torture me?" says
she, with such forlorn glance as once
more reduces him to forgetfulness of
self, and to the old passionate regret for
her.
SIT is kind. If my cruelty can rescue
you from the Slough of De3pond into
which you now are drifting it is more
than kind. What will you live out all
your fresh young life without u joy--all
hope' Nadine, implore you TO pause"
SIT is too late" She lays her palms
upon her bosom and regards him with
blanched cheeks "Ohl If had only met
you sooner; but Dow-now'--
"Your words are an acknowledgment of
your love for mel cries he, casting his
arms about her "I will surrender you
to no man. Nadinel Beloved! Do not
shrink from me-do not seek to unloose
my arms"
~ must" sobs she vehemently.
"Have not told you that all this comes
too late' IL am to be married in fort
night"
1t is his turn to shrink, to pale. He
opens his arms instinctively, and lets her
draw back from him with quivering lips,
and trembling limbs that almost refuse to
support her,
II will not believe it," he says at last
hoarsely. "A fortnight To give your
self body and soul to one for whom you
are caring nothing--in a fortnight
Child Darlingl Say it is not true"
'I cannotr' She has buried her face
in her hands.
"And that is q woman's honor-a
woman's honesty" says he, pacing to
and fro upon the messy sward with q
disturbed brow, and lips stern and COM
pressed. "Do you think this man will
thank you for the empty casket you are
offering him? The body without the soul
would be to me worthless. Who shall
say he does not think as | do2 Come
stopping short before her and gazing at
her fixedly-'teu me the name Of this
city clerk who stands between us II
you will do nothing toward the untying
of knot that may ruin three lives,
will"
"Paul Annerley."
"But do not pursue this matter" she
says eagerly, going a step or two nearer
to him and laying her hand upon his
arm. ''Do not, implore your
81 shall pursue it until the iniquitous
words are said that will bind you to him
for life" replies he doggedly. "Nay."
grasping her hand as she turns hopelessly
away from him, ''do not think me un-
kind, my love; 1t is for your happiness as
for my own strive.'
''lf indeed, you desire my happiness"
cries she, risking all things in her long
ing to save him from vengeance that
some instructive knowledge teaches her
will be deadly, abstain from interven-
ton OF any sort. Do not seek Paul An
nerley. Let me fulfill my destiny. Let
me marry him. Believe me, there is no
hope.'
He might perhaps have misjudged her,
aud have believed her already welded in
heart to Annerley, but for her conclud-
ing words. But these, and the melan-
choly light in her large eyes, reassure
him of the truth that in reality she is al
together his. There is, however, so keen
a sense of weariness in her attitude and
expression that he resolves on refraining
from further argument.
"Well," he says, with an attempt at
lightness that does not deceive her, 1--WE
have said enough for to-day, and you look
tired. Come, let me take you home.
Remember there will be large addition
to our party tonight, and of course you
will like to look your best.n
81 will go back to the house when you
have promised me one thing" returns
she steadily; "that you will not seek
Paul Annerley for four days from this.
Give me these four days"
She is trembling with excitement, and
her eyes are full of tears that will not be
represscd. Four day,, To-day-tom NOR
row; these two cannot be avoided. Were
she to leave now, before to-night's din
ner-that is but herald of tomorrow
nights ball, when Capt. Boyle is ex-
pected, to grace his own birthday enter
tainment-it would be regarded as moth
ing less than an act of discourtesy by her
kindly hostess, But the day after she
might leave; Paul by that time win
surely be returned to town-and her (bit-
ter thoughtD-and she can easily so man.
age as to prevent meeting between him
and Mr.. Duran.
1.-The four days you crave are yours"
replies Duran gravely, noting the fever
in her eyes. 'Now, in turn, concede me
qualification. Let me accompany you
back to the park"